Verse for the week: But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this
inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.” II Timothy 2.19
Prayer for the week: “Almighty and merciful God, fulfill in us your
promises and grant that when that day shall come we may sit down with all the
redeemed at the heavenly feast and praise you in eternal light; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.” (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2nd ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p. 219).
Bible reading for the day: Matthew 25.1-13
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven
will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to
meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were
foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the
foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but
the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As
the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at
midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then
all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And
the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are
going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since
there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy
for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to
buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him
to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward
the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But
he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch
therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Prayer (based on TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for your
promised return. Repent me and my
congregation of the foolish neglect of your Word that fails to watch for you…
such neglect only leaves families lost in the dark. Pour out your Holy Spirit Lord and keep us in
your Word daily, that by your grace I and my congregation may be numbered among
the wise when Jesus returns; I ask this in his name. Amen.
Hymn: follow
this link to the beloved classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s
conversation with the Lord: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N_61w4Vakk
“I
believe in the Holy Spirit…”
What does this mean?
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus
Christ my Lord or come to him; but the Holy Spirit has called me through the
Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the
true faith. In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the
whole Christian church on earth, and preserves it in unity with Jesus Christ in
the one true faith. In this Christian church, he daily forgives abundantly all
my sins and the sins of all believers. At the last day, he will raise me and
all the dead and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in
Christ. This is most certainly true! (from The Small Catechism, by
Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)
benediction: And after you have suffered for a little while,
the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ,
will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you this day. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. (1 Pet 5:10)
*There are many patterns for devotions. This pattern has been followed by God’s
people for centuries.
**The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin
Luther prayed and taught others to pray. It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid
Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria MN
T:
thanksgiving
R:
regret (repentance)
I:
intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P:
plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives
one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps
one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God.
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